Research Specialist in Agriculture (Meat Science Laboratory)

Research Specialist in Agriculture (Meat Science Laboratory)

College of ACES - Department of Animal Sciences

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything the College of ACES does is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story.

The Department of Animal Sciences operates our animal farms, laboratories, Feed Technology Center, meat and egg sales room, and other facilities to give students working experience in the field and to advance basic discovery and applied production research. Our farms operate on 1,300 acres, housing beef and dairy cattle, poultry, sheep, swine, and horses, and turning grain and forage into feed and bedding for our animals. And our facilities don't stop at the boundary of our Urbana campus; we maintain and study herds at research and Extension centers throughout Illinois. The Meat Science Laboratory and Meat and Egg Sales are an integral part of our farm operations. This unit supports the needs of meat science research, which focuses on fresh meat quality and further processing. It also provides training and hands-on experience for students planning on careers in the meat industry. The unit supports some of the most visible parts of our department to the community and beyond through Meat and Egg Sales, BBQ and Grilling courses and outreach, and meats judging activities within the state and nationwide.

Primary Function of Research Specialist in Agriculture Position:

Assist with management of operations, work closely with faculty conducting hands-on research, coordinating teaching, and upholding regulatory compliance at the Meat Science Lab in Urbana, IL.

Primary Function of Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture Position:

Management of operations, working closely with faculty conducting hands-on research, coordinating teaching, and upholding regulatory compliance at the Meat Science Lab in Urbana, IL.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Operation and Maintenance

• Coordinate slaughter and production schedule for the Meat Science Laboratory including:
• Arrange and interface with USDA inspection service to ensure coverage and maintain compliance.
• Procurement of animals, ingredients, supplies, and resources needed.
• Interaction with other farm units to obtain animals and plan for future needs.
• Lead operations including the slaughter of animals, fabrication of carcasses, production, and further processed products.
• Setup the facility for operations days.
• Develop and implement SSOPs for operation.
• Oversee the sales room operations including pricing, customer service, hours of operation, staffing, and advertisement.
• Provide day-to-day supervision of personnel of academic and non-academic staff working in the facility.

Research, Teaching, Outreach, and Support

• Coordinate facility use and availability for educational needs of faculty, graduate students, and others at the Meat Science Lab.
• Coordinate teaching laboratory sections at the unit.
• Interact with meats and other evaluation coaches to schedule practices, contests, and other activities to support evaluation teams.
• Oversee the procurement of animals and production of needed products for educational needs.
• Establish and reinforce consistent practices to produce high-quality research results.
• Provide ongoing training of research personnel in slaughter techniques, carcass fabrication, further processing of meat products, and retail meat merchandising.
• Establish written research targets, develop "Standard Operating Procedures", and enforce consistent research methodology associated with the unit.

Regulatory and Financial Oversight

• Maintain fiscal responsibility at the facility including management of facility expenses, development of budgets and reports, recovery of teaching and research costs, and maintenance of accounting records for budgetary and compliance purposes.
• Maintain current and develop new avenues for retail and wholesale of meat products.
• Hire and supervise needed staff to maintain operations and optimize staff costs.
• Promote and maintain a work environment with the highest standards of worker safety.
• Attend departmental operational, safety, and development meetings.
• Establish and maintain professional and safe standards for facility appearance.
• Supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts.
• Provide training on and reinforcement of safe working standards including lock-out, tag-out, use of PPE, and electrical and chemical safety.
• Maintain records of safety inspections and accident reports.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities for Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture:

• Implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of research or compliance.
• Maintain records in accordance to departmental standards.
• Develop and execute long-term financial and operational strategies.
• Reconcile monthly sales transactions.
• Oversee and manage the operations Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan.

Minimum Qualifications for Research Specialist:

• B.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
• Two (2) years of hands-on experience in a meat production facility.
• Computer experience in record keeping and inventory management.
• Supervisory experience.

Minimum Qualifications for Senior Research Specialist:

• B.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
• More than six (6+) years of hands-on experience in a meat production facility.
• Computer experience in record keeping and inventory management.
• More than four (4+) years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications for Research Specialist:

• M.S. degree with a specialization in meat science.
• Six (6) years of hands-on experience in a meat production facility.
• Experience in managing a FSIS-inspected meat production facility.
• Experience in management of employees including conflict resolution, scheduling and training.
• Experience with facility maintenance and overseeing these types of projects.
• Understanding of research design and data collection standards.
• Experience with development of HACCP plans and SSOPs.
• Demonstrated involvement and leadership in meat-industry organizations.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Research Specialist:

• M.S. degree with a specialization in meat science.
• Eight (8) years of hands-on experience in a meat production facility.
• Experience in managing a FSIS-inspected meat production facility.
• Experience in management of employees including conflict resolution, scheduling and training.
• Experience with facility maintenance and overseeing these types of projects.
• Understanding of research design and data collection standards.
• Experience with development of HACCP plans and SSOPs.
• Demonstrated involvement and leadership in meat-industry organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Detail oriented, organized and able to address multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Capable of working compatibly with other employees and staff.
• Able to communicate well with faculty, administrators, inspectors, veterinarians, students, staff, and visitors.
• Ability and proficiency in humane slaughter techniques and fabrication of meat animals and meat products.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various physical demands including ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to fifty (50) pounds and and twisting, pushing and pulling movements.

Appointment Information

This is a full-time (100%, 12-month) Academic Professional appointment, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after September 16, 2026. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the Research Specialist position is $60,000 to $70,000 and the budgeted salary range for the Senior Research Specialist position is $70,000 to $85,000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 3, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jonathon Mosley, Department of Animal Sciences (jfmosley@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1037220

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu